Thursday, June 29, 2017

8 Things You Need To Start Container Gardening

Tomato and peppers in buckets

Recently I started my seeds in three buckets I had laying around the home. I planted sunflowers, spinach, and watermelon. I couldn't find the rest of my seed packets. I looked everywhere.

Collar greens, peppers, and tomatoes in containers.

Lucky for me, a local flower shop was giving away vegetable plants. I missed the first day of the giveaway. I was able to go the very next morning after picking my daughter up from summer school. Customers were able to grab as many vegetable plants as they wanted. Being this late in June, there are still vegetable plants that can be planted late in Ohio and still produce a bunch of yummy vegetables.

Click photo to enlarge.
Planting in containers

I went from having three buckets of seeds planted to all of this. I ran out of containers to plant in. What I had left I placed in the flower bed out front in between the boards of a small pallet. 


I was able to plant several varieties of tomatoes, spicy peppers (Habanero, Tabasco etc.), collard greens, sweet bell peppers and more. It's not everything I wanted to plant this year. I can't complain. It is more than what I had when I started. I feel blessed.

8 Things You Need To Start A Container Garden

1. Containers: The first thing you need is to collect your containers. You can plant in any type or size of containers. The bigger the plant, the bigger container you will need. You also need to decide if you planting one plant per pot or several in one to save space. Containers also make moving the plants indoors easier if you want to get more produce when the colder weather starts to set in.

2. Drainage Holes: Most containers come with drainage holes. If not, you need to make your own drainage holes. You can use a drill to add holes or use a screw driver to pound holes with a hammer. Too wet of soil can kill different plants. The plants will drown.

3. Stones, Rocks, or Soda Cans: These items will help with drainage. They help cover the holes to keep the soil in but allow extra water to drain out. Plus, they help take up extra space instead of using so much soil. Clean soda cans work well in larger containers for two reasons. They are light weight if you need to move the container after planting and can hold water.

4. Soil And Or Mulch: Your plants need plenty of soil to allow for root growth and to help keep your plants standing upright in a strong wind. Instead of blowing over or being uprooted. Mulch is a great cover on top of the soil to help support the plants. Mulch also works well as the soil. If you run out of the soil and only left with mulch. 

5. Seeds or Plants: Whether you start with seeds or go to your local home & garden center to get plants, you need to start with a list. That way you know what you have and don't have. Carry your list and mark the seed or plant off when picking them out.

6. Seed Or Plant Tags: Keep the plant tags to place in the containers you are growing them in. If you don't have any, you can make your own by using popsicle sticks or plastic spoons. Write what each seed or plant is on each tag you create. That way you know what you planted. This is great if you plant several varieties of the same plant or seed.

7. Fertilizer: Some people choose to buy soil with fertilizer already in it. For those who don't or those who use the dirt from their backyard, fertilizer is great to help the growth of your seeds or plants. I tend to use a slow release fertilizer. As to much fertilizer can burn the roots. 

8. Sunlight: Most of all you need adequate sunlight. The more sun your seeds and plants can have, the bigger and healthier they will grow. I like to place mine in an area that is sunny with no to minimal shade.   

Is there anything you can add to what one would need to start a container garden?




Photos ©Sandy KS unless otherwise stated.
I am an Amazon Affiliate which you may see things for purchase, where I will earn something if you make a purchase. 

8 comments :

  1. Great tips! Sounds like you got a bargain with all those plants. I've started a herb garden this year and I'm growing tomatoes. I get so much satisfaction from eating what I produce.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Yes I got a bargain. I feel very blessed. I seen my sister today and told her I would give her some veggies once they grow. I am happy and excited to watch things grow. I love the benefit of eating healthy when growing in my own backyard. I am glad you have a herb garden. I was going to start one but that was one of the seed packets I couldn't find. I still may start one and place them in my window sill.

      Delete
  2. Awesome tips! I hope you plants do well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would add that you should also start a compost pile. They are very easy to do and the resulting compost will benefit your containers immensely. You can also make compost tea and use that to feed your plants rather than chemical fertilizers. I like natural and try to go as natural as possible. Great read and a really good list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, a compost pile would be nice. Right now that is not an option.

      Delete
  4. Helpful tips for starting a container garden. I have found that most plants will grown in anything as long as there is good drainage, soil water and light requirements. I once grew herbs in my husband old boot.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good advice. I wish I am in my tropical garden right now to dig my hands in dirt and keep planting. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated for spam. Please be patient until your comment can be approved. This can take up to 24 to 48 hours. Thank you for your patience.